Brenton World

I am returning!!

2006-02-03T08:12:00.000Z

Good news

I saw my G P on Wednesday and he has given me the OK to return to work on light duties, and to drive again.
This will be a phased return to work, and will include a few days recuparation in Bournemouth, again I'm so grateful to God for the miracle, Amen

Thanks also to the many many friends who have sent cards, visited and phoned, its great to be part of the "BIG" family of God and to have felt the love and support of so many. I am pround to be part of such a caring community.

love Tony

2006-01-20T15:28:00.000Z

Our God is a great BIG God, and He holds me in his hands!!!!

This morning I had an appointment with Dr Tahir the oncologist, at Broomfield Hospital, and heard very good news. He said he had spoken with Mr Ross, the surgeon, reviewed all the reports and histology and all agreed that the tumour had been contained in the bowel had not spread. After further discussion it was agreed that as Chemo would only add 2% benefit (because I already have an excellent chance of complete recovery) that any further treatment would not be required.

I am now to be involved in a 5-year follow up programme which will involve blood test, CT scans, etc.

I have been reminded that I must still be careful, not drive for a few weeks and not return to work for a few weeks yet.

Thanks again for all your love, prayers and support, "to God be the glory for the things He has done"

Tony

Wonderful News!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-01-16T12:17:00.000Z

Praise the Lord!!!

Today I have received a letter from my Consultant Surgeon with the results of histology.

Mr Ross says "I am pleased to say that the analysis confirms that the tumour had been satisfactorily removed by surgery. No evidence of involvement of the lymph glands we removed has been seen, which is excellent, and in these circumstances I doubt you will need further treatment".

I will still have to see the Oncologist Dr. Tahir but this will be part of the follow up programme for cancer patients.

This is great news, my recovery has been quite miraclous and now to have this news is wonderful.

I am so grateful to the Lord for His love and healing touch on my life, and extremely grateful for all your prayers, love and support, as well.

I will give thanks to your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness

because your promises are backed by all the honour of your name.

When I pray you answer me; you encourage me by giving me the strength I need.

Psalm 138: 2 - 3

On the Road to Recovery!

2006-01-11T14:37:00.000Z

Hi Everybody,

I'm doing OK, eating well, and able to take a little walk each day. Thank you for all your phone calls, cards and letters, I have had nearly 120. Thanks also for the many gifts of flowers, fruit, chocolate, pies, books etc.
God has been so good and I'm feeling stronger everyday. I have heard from the Hospital and have an appointment to visit the outpatients clinic on February 8th where I expect to hear the results of histology and future treatment if necessary.

In one of my recent Daily Readings, the writer was quoting from 1Timothy 6 : 18 " Be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share". So many of you have demonstrated these qualities of Christian living to us in recent days, and we've appreciated your love so much

God Bless you

Tony

Thanks a Million!!!

2006-01-06T14:35:00.000Z

Hi Everybody

I'm back !!!! and able again to write this blog. Thanks to Helen who has kept you all up-to-date with my progress, and the stories happening around me. As you know I came home Tuesday, each day I'm feeling stronger, I'm still quite weak need a couple of sleeps each day, but able to get up and have a very very short walk most days.

Thanks a million for your prayers, cards, phone calls, balloon; flowers and fruit baskets.

God's presence and power has been so real and only having to spend 7 nights in hospital an obvious testimony to his restoring power.

These verses from Ps. 138 have been a real source of strength to both Bren and myself during the last couple of weeks and I want to share them with you.

I will give thanks to your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness
because your promises are backed by all the honour of your name.
When I pray you answer me; you encourage me by giving me the strength I need.
Psalm 138: 2 - 3

Of all of God's qualities his Love and Faithfulness perhaps are the things we've valued the most, certainly the last stanza has proved to be true in my case, when I've prayed I have been encouraged by finding my strength being hourly renewned. What a wonderful God we serve!!

Next week I will be ready for visitors - but could I ask that you ring before coming just to check we have not got a house full.

Thanks again for all your Love and concern for me and Bren and our family.

Pastor Tony

He's Home!

2006-01-03T14:38:00.000Z

Dad came home this morning, the nursing staff were so pleased with his progress.
He is very tired and the hospital have stressed that him going home must be an extension of the kind of rest he had on the ward, it will be a while before he fully recovers, mum is also tired so they both need to 'crash out' a bit!!
So again we thank God for everything, we thank you for your love and prayers, I will soon have to hand back the blog to the man himself but it is a pleasure to report to you such amazing answer to prayer, we have loved reading your brilliant comments, so funny and encouraging and we know many others have shown care also for which we are thankful,
May God Bless you loads,

Psalm 118 v 24
This is the day the Lord has made,
Let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Amen!

Nearer The Door!

2006-01-02T20:40:00.000Z

Dad is now in a different part of the ward, as he is doing so well he does not need such close attention from nursing staff, hoping this is nearer to going home, everything is as it should be and we continue to thank God.

Now That's A Question!

2006-01-01T20:41:00.000Z

We saw dad today, he looks really well, is eating and drinking good amounts.
Dad wanted me to pass on this mornings funny conversation with a nurse,

"So Mr Tween, I notice in your notes that you are actually a Reverend, is that correct?"she enquires,
"Yes that is right"answers Tony, the nurse looks slightly puzzled,
"only it says also that your religion is 'unknown'!!"
Tony then realises that he must be the only Reverend with an 'unknown' religion!
"Well I am Pentecostal" and he goes on to explain what this means, after a short pause the nurse comes to the conclusion that the nurse who admitted him probably had difficulty spelling and as a result put 'unknown'!!

Surely not.........!

Anyway, This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it!!!

Cornflake Day!

2005-12-31T10:24:00.000Z

Yes it's official today is a Cornflake day and apple juice as well! well you may laugh but after surgery of this nature today is a major milestone reached!!
The other good news is dad is free from intravenous medication and pain relief, he can request this if needed though.
So another good day, Thank God!

By the way, Fred we would love to know who you are, will the real Fred please make themselves known!!!!

Divine Intervention

2005-12-30T16:45:00.000Z

That's what he called it! The Registrar that is, He was so amazed at dad's rate of recovery that he commented it must only be the 'divine intervention!!' we know that to be the case!
Dad is feeling a bit tired today which is not surprising really however he is managing fluids which is good.

So another day where we thank God for being our 'everything' we are grateful to Him for His hand over us and the wonderful Grace by which we stand this day.

Thanks for your interest!

A Good Day!!

2005-12-29T17:04:00.000Z

Well we thank God!
Dad saw the surgeon today who said the operation was a success, He was very positive, all of the Cancer was contained in the bowel the surgeon said it had not spread, we just have to wait 10 days for Histology results to determine how long it had been there etc.. and to decide on treatment if needed but indications look very good.
Dad has been sitting up in the chair and managed a short walk he also not surprisingly went into 'pastor mode' and friend when he prayed for another patient!
We as a family breath a sigh of relief and continue to pray, we have known a peace through all of this and we thank God for this day.

So thanks for your love, prayers and interest in our family, as a Church we walk together and appreciate the care shown.

God Bless!!

Good To See Him!

2005-12-28T20:43:00.000Z

Well Brenda, me,Simon and Jo were so pleased to see him today, He was very sleepy but managed a small converstion with us.
We still don't know details hopefully things will be clearer tomorrow.
We as a family have felt God's presence and have been encouraged very much by your thoughtfulness and prayers.
So thanks alot!
We'll keep you updated!
God Bless You Loads!

Back on the ward

2005-12-28T14:15:00.000Z

The time is 14.15pm and we have just heard dad is back on the ward, we do not know further details yet will let you know further details when we know, thanks again for your love and prayers.

He's In!

2005-12-27T20:29:00.000Z

Dad arrived on the ward this morning at 11.30 am, he has a bed which is always a good start to an admission to hospital, he has fancied a beef sandwich but unfortunately is not allowed so this will have to wait!

The surgeon has been round and was very reassuring, He will be first on the list tomorrow approx 8.30 ish, so that's good.

Mum and Dad both say they feel very peaceful, well there are so many praying to a God who hears, they felt encouraged by a verse this morning,

Psalm 138

1 I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart;
I will sing your praises before the gods.
2 I bow before your holy Temple as I worship.
I will give thanks to your name
for your unfailing love and faithfulness,
because your promises are backed
by all the honor of your name.
3 When I pray, you answer me;
you encourage me by giving me the strength I need.

Thankyou for your continued prayer, we'll keep you updated.
Simon, Jo and Helen.

Strength for Today - Hope for Tomorrow

2005-12-23T09:21:00.000Z

Yesterday I spent most of the day in Broomfield Hospital. We arrived at 9.00am and left at 3.30pm, shattered having visited six different locations - each wth long queues. It's now definite I've got a bed on B6 I have to arrive about 11.00am on Tuesday ready for "op" on Wednesday.

Thanks for all your continued prayers and support we've had loads of phone calls and e-mails your love is overwhelming. Each day we are proving His strength is sufficient for us (2 Corinthians 12 : 9)

We plan to celebrate our Saviour's birth with our family and close friends over the next few days, see many of you on Christmas Day

Simon, Helen, Jo and Bren will keep this blog updated over the next few weeks

Love Tony

They will call him "Immanuel" which means 'God with us'

that's not only the message of Christmas -

it's our hope for everyday!!! I'm holding on to it,

and encourage you to do the same as we enter into an exciting 2006

It's Amazing!!

2005-12-21T09:25:00.000Z

What can I say!!!!! We as a family are all amazed at your response over 140 hits on this blog since Monday.

The news of my diagnosis seems to be reaching near and far, yesterday it was added to Elim's national e-mail prayer letter, and we've received calls, e-mails and visits already. Thanks to everyone who has contacted us and are praying for us. This morning I've had a visit from a former colleague on the Essex Chronicle where I worked for 27 years prior to 1989

Yesterday -thanks to Caroline we had a home made Christmas Tree cake, a huge Traditional Christmas Cake from Robyn, but that just may have to be hidden until I'm home from hospital.
A praying bunny called Grace (I might sneak that into hospital) and "Willow Tree" Angel of Prayer.

We are doing OK and really feel your love and support. We are trying to keep things as normal as possible, getting prepared for Christmas both at home and at church. I'm speaking on Christmas morning (anyone got a good sermon?). Tonight and tomorrow we are hosting a special showing of "The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe" at the local Odeon Cinema. 170 seats each night - it promises to be a great evangelistic outreach.

On Thursday morning I have to go to Broomfield Hospital for a CT scan on chest, abdomen and pelvis, please pray that this will show that the cancer has not spread outside the bowel. Then I will be attending an Outpatients Clinic for pre-operation clerking i.e. X-rays, ECG and blood tests.

Thanks for all your love and prayers and cards and ...........

Tony and Brenda

Thank You!!!

2005-12-19T10:23:00.000Z

Bren and I want to say an enormous "thank you" to everyone who loved us, hugged us and promised to pray for us after yesterday's announcement that I have to go into Broomfield hospital for major surgery on December 28th.
Your love was overwhelming and already we feel lifted up and carried by your prayers.
What was so special was having Neil standing with us and praying for us, Neil you are such an inspiration!!
In the days after my "op" we'll try to keep this blog updated so that you can know what's happening, how I'm doing and pray with up-to-date info.
The response to the prayerchain which has been organised by Pat and John Kennett is remarkable, so many of you promising to uphold us before the Lord is amazing, we really do appreciate your support.

We believe that we have a great big God who holds us in his hands and nothing is too difficult for Him.